Canker sores are tiny, superficial ulcers that make talking, eating and drinking uncomfortable. Dentists see two types of sores at this point: simple and complex. The simple last up to a week and occur up to four times a year. Complex are less common and they occur in people who had them before. To learn more contact your local Family Dentist in Greenville WI or continue reading.
Treatment
The sores usually heal on their own, so treatment is not always necessary. When necessary, some drugs can help relieve pain.
1. A mouthwash drug can relieve pain and inflammation. Some contain cortisone or prednisone, anti-inflammatory, Erythromycin (which is an antibiotic), the viscous lidocaine (which is a local anesthetic) or diphenhydramine (which is an antihistamine with an anesthetic effect). These pharmaceutical substances also accelerate the healing of ulcers and prevent them from increasing in size. They are obtained by prescription.
2. A gel, an ointment or a liquid anesthetic. Several types of products are available in pharmacies, without a prescription. When applied to ulcers, they protect the mucosa and relieve pain. Other products that are more concentrated are obtained by prescription.
3. Aspirin or acetaminophen can also help relieve pain.
4. Some drugs that were not designed originally to treat canker sores can be beneficial. This is the case, for example, of colchicine (a drug commonly used to treat gout) and cimetidine (which is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease). These drugs are taken orally as tablets.
5. For someone with very severe and recurrent mouth ulcers, other treatments may be used such as oral cortisone, but this is rarely given due to the adverse effects.
6. If nutrient deficiency is present, it can be corrected by taking supplements of vitamins or minerals.
If an ulcer is slow to heal, sometimes your Family Dentist in Greenville WI may suggest a biopsy. They will take a bit of tissue in the ulcer in order to examine it under a microscope. Analysis of the tissue will indicate whether the lesion is malignant or benign. To learn more about canker sores, or if you have questions about other dental issues, visit Barnesdentistry.net today.
